Mattress Disposal Options Compared
| Option | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| State mattress recycling program (byob.org) | Free | CA, CT, RI only |
| Municipal bulky item curbside pickup | Free or small fee | Many cities — check locally |
| Retailer haul-away with new purchase | Free or $15–25 | Most major mattress retailers |
| Junk removal company | $75–$150/mattress | Nationwide |
| Dumpster rental | $300–$450 + $25–50 surcharge | Nationwide |
| Donation | Free (if accepted) | Very limited — near-new only |
Free Recycling: State Programs
Bye Bye Mattress (byob.org) is a stewardship program operating in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. It funds free drop-off locations where mattresses are recycled into new materials — steel springs, foam, fiber, and lumber composite. Visit byob.org to find a drop-off site near you.
Retailer Haul-Away Programs
Most mattress retailers will haul away your old mattress when delivering a new one:
- Mattress Firm: $15 haul-away fee with delivery
- Casper / Purple / other DTC brands: Free haul-away on white-glove delivery
- IKEA: Mattress recycling for a small fee at select locations
- Costco: Delivery service typically includes haul-away
Can You Donate a Mattress?
Almost no donation organizations accept used mattresses because of bedbugs, bodily fluids, and liability concerns. The only exception: a mattress that is less than 2 years old, in like-new condition, with no stains. Even then, very few places will take them. Local shelters occasionally accept mattresses in outstanding condition — call ahead.
When Junk Removal Makes Sense
Junk removal is the most convenient option when:
- You don't have a truck to transport the mattress yourself
- You're also getting rid of other furniture or junk at the same time
- Your city doesn't offer bulky item pickup
- You want it gone today or tomorrow
When bundling a mattress with other items, the total cost often isn't much more than the mattress alone — junk removal companies price by truck volume, so adding a box spring or old furniture to the same trip improves the value per item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
Most dumpster rental companies accept mattresses, though some charge a $25–$50 surcharge. Mattresses take up significant space and are awkward to load. A junk removal company is often a better fit for single mattresses.
Does Goodwill take mattresses?
No. Goodwill does not accept mattresses due to health and liability concerns. Neither do most thrift stores. Mattresses must be in genuinely new or like-new condition for any organization to accept them.
Is there a free mattress recycling program?
Yes in several states. California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have mattress stewardship programs (byob.org) that offer free drop-off locations. Other states run periodic bulky item pickup programs through solid waste districts.
How much does mattress junk removal cost?
Single mattress pickup typically costs $75–$150 as part of a larger junk removal haul. Stand-alone single mattress removal often hits the minimum charge of $100–$150. Box springs are usually the same price.
Can I leave a mattress at the curb?
Many municipalities allow bulk item curbside pickup by appointment. Some allow it on specific days. Check your city or county solid waste website. Leaving a mattress at the curb without scheduled pickup may result in a fine.